When you apply for workers’ compensation benefits in California, your employer’s insurance company has the right to ask you questions about your health and medical treatment. But you have rights too. Before you answer an insurance adjuster’s questions, sign any releases, or make a formal deposition, you should have the advice of an experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney. Otherwise, you may jeopardize your right to workers’ comp benefits. However, with the help of a good workers’ compensation attorney, you can provide information the insurance company needs while protecting your rights to obtain benefits. However, you must be careful in these situations:
1. Talking to an insurance adjuster: An adjuster may call and ask you to record a statement about your medical condition or treatment. Politely decline. Tell the adjuster that you will be happy to cooperate as soon as you speak to your attorney about the adjuster’s questions.
2. Depositions: A deposition is taken under oath, so you could actually be charged with perjury if you make a false statement. A good workers’ comp attorney will explain the deposition process and accompany you to the deposition.
3. Surveillance: When you apply for workers’ compensation benefits, the insurance company may put you under surveillance and check into your social media pages and posts. Obviously, they cannot place a camera in your home, but anything you do or say in public can be used against you in the company’s effort to deny your benefits.
A good workers’ comp lawyer can explain and protect your rights, provide the advice and services you need, and ensure that your paperwork is accurate, complete, and filed on time. If there’s any dispute regarding your benefits, your attorney can fight aggressively on your behalf for the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured at work in southern California or if you’ve become ill because of your work, take your case immediately to an experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney.